Teachings

Dzogchen Seminar

Dzogpa chenpo, or great perfection, is the ultimate view of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. Dzogchen is a nondual practice that focuses on connecting to our own innately enlightened mind, just as it is. The essence of these simple instructions is to recognize the nature of our mind, and then “let it be.”

Despite their simplicity, the dzogchen teachings are easy for our habitually grasping mind to misconstrue. Therefore, in order to study dzogchen, we must also study the relative world of perceptions, thoughts and emotions, and understand how they are all illusory. Only then can we rest in our absolute nature, which contains infinite wisdom, love and power to benefit beings. If we meditate diligently on this nature, we can attain complete enlightenment within a few lifetimes, or even in this life.

Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche, a holder of the Dzogchen lineage, received these teachings from his root teacher, Kyabje Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, as well as from Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche and Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche -- all of whom are part of an unbroken chain of dzogchen masters going back to Samantabhadra, the primordial Buddha. Rinpoche began the Dzogchen Seminars at Pema Osel in 2007, and with each passing year delves deeper, leading participants closer and closer to a full understanding of the innermost essence of their minds.

The Dzogchen Seminar is a public program that includes four formal teaching sessions, questions and answers with Kongtrul Rinpoche, periods of meditation, and discussion groups led by senior students. Registration includes a locally prepared vegetarian lunch. To receive an early-bird discount, please register by August 14.

While in-person attendance is open to everyone, Rinpoche asks that video streaming be reserved for formal MSB students who have taken the sangha ceremony.

“Many other teachings and practices are significant, and can transform our minds. But when we have only a few crucial moments left before departing from this world, what should we do, as practitioners? We should choose the practice we have most confidence in. For me, this would be the practice of dzogchen.”-- Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche